Probiotic Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 inhibit chemically induced colon cancer in male Wistar rats

Several animal studies have shown that supplementation with specific strains of lactic acid bacteria could prevent the establishment, growth, and metastasis of transplantable and chemically induced tumors. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 on the incidence of colorectal tumors induced experimentally by dimethylhydrazine (DMH). We used thirty 4-week old male Wistar rat. The animals belonging to the DMH groups were injected s.c 20 mg/kg body weight of 1,2 dimethylhydrazine and 1 mM EDTA (pH 6.5), in a weekly dose, for 14 weeks. Three groups were used: (1) Control (not initiated); (2) Initiated with DMH; (3) Initiated with DMH + intake of E. faecium CRL 183. At the end of the 42nd week, all the animals were euthanized; the colons were removed and analyzed histologically. All the groups were compared histologically and IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokines. The control group did not develop pre-neoplastic lesions. The E. faecium CRL 183-DMH group showed a 50% inhibition in incidence in average number of tumors (P < 0.001), reduced the formation of ACF (P < 0.001), the lowest number of adenocarcinoma being found in this group (P < 0.001) and enhanced the immune response by increasing IL-4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha (P < 0.001) when compared with the DMH group.

Loss of samples in the tissue microarray technique: comparison between slides using adhesive tape and silanized slides

The tissue microarray (TMA) technique allows multiple tissue samples in a single block. Commercial adhesive tape is used to avoid the loss of tissue samples during the immunostaining process. Few reports exist in the literature comparing the use of these adhesive tapes to other adhesive techniques. The objective of this study was to compare loss of sections adhered to slides using commercial adhesive tapes versus using silanized only slides. TMA was constructed with varying tissues using a fixed-base device (Beecher Instruments), placing 108 cylinders of 1 mm diameter in duplicate, spaced 1.2 mm apart. Section of 4 mu m were cut from the TMA block and adhered to 30 silanized slides and 30 commercial glass slides using adhesive tape, according to manufacturer's recommendations. Vimentin immunoexpression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Antigenic recovery was realized in citrate buffer using a microwave oven. Cylinder loss in the immunohistochemical process was quantified and expressed as: total (>80%), almost complete (75-79%), or partial (50-74%). The commercial adhesive tape group presented lesser total loss (1.1 versus 6.4%), almost complete loss (2.2 versus 3.5%), and partial loss (2.1 versus 3.8%) than the silanized slide group (ANOVA, P < 0.05). The sum of total and almost complete losses in the silanized slide group was 9.9%, greater than the losses in slides using commercial adhesive tapes (3.3%) and less than reported and considered acceptable in the literature (10-30%). In conclusion, the use of silanized only slides presents very satisfactory results, requires less training, and reduces costs significantly, thus justifying their use in research.

Reproductive responses of rabbit does to a supplemental lighting program

The objective was to investigate whether the productivity of rabbit does can be improved, when natural photoperiod is decreasing, by adopting a supplemental lighting program. Three experiments were conducted involving two groups: control, submitted to the natural decreasing photoperiod, and supplemented with a lighting program which provided 14 h light/24 h beginning at 10 weeks of age. In the first experiment, 20 nulliparous does, 10 from each group, were euthanized 8 h after being presented to a buck; the overall number of follicles, whose diameter exceeded I mm, was determined macroscopically. The right ovaries were collected, histologically analyzed, and electronically measured. In the second experiment, 30 nulliparous does, 15 from each group, were presented to a buck (day 1). Receptive does were euthanized on day 8 to evaluate embryonic survival (number of normal embryos/ovulation rate). In the third experiment, 48 nulliparous does, 24 from each group, were followed from the first presentation to the buck until the weaning of the first litter. The effect of treatment on reproductive and body weight traits of does, and litter performance traits, at birth and weaning, was evaluated. The average number of follicles whose diameter exceeded 1 mm was higher in the treatment group (12.05 +/- 1.07 vs. 8.63 +/- 1.00, P=0.03 7). Receptive does of the treatment group had heavier ovaries relative to those of the control group (790 +/- 59 vs. 470 +/- 64 mg, P=0.004), whereas no treatment difference regarding this trait was found for non-receptive ones. Treatment had a favorable effect on pregnancy rate of total exposed and of receptive does (80.0% vs. 33.3%, P=0.01, and 92.3% vs. 50.0%, P=0.02, respectively). The number of underdeveloped embryos was lower (0.067 +/- 0.380 vs. 2.500 +/- 0.455, P=0.004), embryonic survival up to day 8, and uterus weight was higher in the treatment group (0.839 +/- 0.075 vs. 0.534 +/- 0.087, P=0.033 and 13.83 +/- 0.72 vs. 10.99 +/- 0.84, P=0.037, respectively). Number of presentations tended to be lower (1.32 +/- 0.17 vs. 1.75 +/- 0.16, P=0.077) and adjusted litter size in the first reproductive cycle tended to be higher (7.09 +/- 0.89 vs. 5.22 +/- 0.68, P=0.091) in the treatment group relative to the control.

Indução à ovulação pelo uso de LHRH análogo e fertilização artificial em rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana)

Este trabalho teve por objetivo aperfeiçoar a técnica de reprodução induzida existente para rã-touro, com o intuito de aumentar a taxa de fecundidade e viabilizar seu uso pelo produtor. As doses hormonais para a indução da ovulação e espermiação seguiram as propostas de FALCON e CULLEY (1995) e ALONSO (1997); entretanto, a técnica de fertilização artificial foi adaptada da metodologia para reprodução artificial de peixes com ovos não-aderentes (WOYNAROVICH e HORVÁTH, 1983). A técnica proposta apresenta as seguintes etapas: I) sincronização da ovulação e da espermiação, por meio de hormônio liberador de gonadotropina ((Des-Gli10, D-His(Bzl)6, Pro-NHEt9)-LHRH)); II) extração dos óvulos de cada fêmea (1 a 2 minutos); III) fertilização dos óvulos (2 minutos) com líquido espermático diluído em 100 mL de água; IV) hidratação dos ovos em 10 a 20 litros de água; e V) incubação dos ovos em quadros de tela de 1x 0,70 m, com malha de 1 mm. As taxas de fertilização obtidas com as modificações propostas foram superiores a 60%. Ressalta-se ainda que a técnica propiciou a obtenção, a partir de um mesmo animal, de várias desovas, sendo que cada fêmea pode ovular em intervalos de, aproximadamente, 45 dias.

Follicular Development in Ewes During Natural and Prostaglandins Induced Estrous Cycle

The follicular development was evaluated in ovine females during natural and prostaglandin-F(2 alpha) (PG) induced estrous cycle. Ewes were randomly divided in two treatments (n=7/treatment): T1 with natural cycle and T2 synchronized with two injections of PG. From one day before PG injection until next ovulation, daily transrectal ultrasonography was done. All follicles >= 2 mm were assessed. During the interovulatory intervals, follicular growth and regression occurred in a wave like pattern (2-3 waves). The maximum diameter of the largest follicle of the first wave was greater in T1 (5.83 +/- 0.31 mm) compared with T2 (5.0 +/- 0.1 mm; P<0.01), but there was no significant difference among the emergency day of largest follicle, during the growth phase of the follicular waves. The duration of the plateau phase in wave 2 differed between the two treatments (P<0.05) showing 0.83 +/- 0.31 and 1.83 +/- 0.17 d, for natural and synchronized treatment, respectively. Growth rate did not differ between treatments. Presence of new luteal tissue was detected on day 3 after ovulation. In conclusion, the follicular development was similar in female ovine during natural and PG induced estrous cycle.

Estratégias para redução de girassol ornamental para comercialização em vaso

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

GABA(A) receptor activation in the lateral parabrachial nucleus induces water and hypertonic NaCl intake

Inhibitory serotonergic and cholecystokinergic mechanisms in the lateral parabrachial nucleus and central GABAergic mechanisms are involved in the regulation of water and NaCl intake. In the present study we investigated if the GABA(A) receptors in the lateral parabrachial nucleus are involved in the control of water, NaCl and food intake in rats. Male Holtzman rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally into the lateral parabrachial nucleus were used. Bilateral injections of muscimol (0.2 nmol/0.2 mu l) into the lateral parabrachial nucleus strongly increased 0.3 M NaCl (20.3 +/- 7.2 vs. saline: 2.6 +/- 0.9 ml/180 min) without changing water intake induced by the treatment with the diuretic furosemide combined with low dose of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril s.c. In euhydrated and satiated rats, bilateral lateral parabrachial nucleus injections of muscimol (0.2 and 0.5 nmol/0.2 0) induced 0.3 M NaCl intake (12.1 +/- 6.5 and 32.5 +/- 7.3 ml/180 min, respectively, vs. saline: 0.4 +/- 0.2 ml/180 min) and water intake (5.2 +/- 2.0 and 7.6 +/- 2.8 ml/ 180 min, respectively, vs. saline: 0.8 +/- 0.4 ml/180 min), but no food intake (2 +/- 0.4 g/240 min vs. saline: 1 +/- 0.3 g/240 min). Bilateral lateral parabrachial nucleus injections of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (1.6 nmol/0.2 mu l) abolished the effects of muscimol (0.5 nmol/0.2 mu l) on 0.3 M NaCl and water intake. Muscimol (0.5 nmol/0.2 mu l) into the lateral parabrachial nucleus also induced a slight ingestion of water (4.2 +/- 1.6 ml/240 min vs. saline: 1.1 +/- 0.3 ml/240 min) when only water was available, a long lasting (for at least 2 h) increase on mean arterial pressure (14 +/- 4 mm Hg, vs. saline: -1 +/- 1 mm Hg) and only a tendency to increase urinary volume and Na+ and K+ renal excretion. Therefore the activation of GABAA receptors in the lateral parabrachial nucleus induces strong NaCl intake, a small ingestion of water and pressor responses, without changes on food intake. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.

Periodontal tissue response to coverage of root cavities restored with resin materials: A histomorphometric study in dogs

Background: the purpose of this study was to histomorphometrically evaluate the response of periodontal tissues covering Class V resin restorations in dogs.Methods: After raising a mucoperiosteal flap, bony defects measuring 5 x 5 mm were created on the buccal aspect of the canines of five dogs followed by cavity preparations on the root surface measuring 3 x 3 x 1 mm. Before repositioning the flap to cover the bone defect, the cavities were restored with composite resin (CR) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) or were left unrestored as control (C). The dogs were euthanized 90 days after surgery. Specimens comprising the tooth and periodontal tissues were removed, processed routinely, cut into longitudinal serial sections in the bucco-lingual direction, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or Masson's trichrome. The most central sections were selected for histomorphometric analysis.Results: Histomorphometric analysis revealed apical migration of epithelial tissue onto the restorative materials (RMGIC and CR). The C group presented significantly longer connective tissue attachment (P < 0.05) than the RMGIC and CR groups and significantly higher bone regeneration (P < 0.05) compared to the RMGIC group. Histologically, the cervical third (CT) of all groups had the most marked chronic inflammatory infiltrate.Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the restorative materials used exhibit biocompatibility; however, both materials interfered with the development of new bone and the connective tissue attachment process.

Stress Analysis in Platform-Switching Implants: A 3-Dimensional Finite Element Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the platform-switching technique on stress distribution in implant, abutment, and pen-implant tissues, through a 3-dimensional finite element study. Three 3-dimensional mandibular models were fabricated using the Solid Works 2006 and InVesalius software. Each model was composed of a bone block with one implant 10 mm long and of different diameters (3.75 and 5.00 mm). The UCLA abutments also ranged in diameter from 5.00 mm to 4.1 mm. After obtaining the geometries, the models were transferred to the software FEMAP 10.0 for pre- and postprocessing of finite elements to generate the mesh, loading, and boundary conditions. A total load of 200 N was applied in axial (0 degrees), oblique (45 degrees), and lateral (90) directions. The models were solved by the software NeiNastran 9.0 and transferred to the software FEMAP 10.0 to obtain the results that were visualized through von Mises and maximum principal stress maps. Model A (implants with 3.75 mm/abutment with 4.1 mm) exhibited the highest area of stress concentration with all loadings (axial, oblique, and lateral) for the implant and the abutment. All models presented the stress areas at the abutment level and at the implant/abutment interface. Models B (implant with 5.0 mm/abutment with 5.0 mm) and C (implant with 5.0 mm/abutment with 4.1 mm) presented minor areas of stress concentration and similar distribution pattern. For the cortical bone, low stress concentration was observed in the pen-implant region for models B and C in comparison to model A. The trabecular bone exhibited low stress that was well distributed in models B and C. Model A presented the highest stress concentration. Model B exhibited better stress distribution. There was no significant difference between the large-diameter implants (models B and C).

Photoelastic Analysis of the Influence of Platform Switching on Stress Distribution in Implants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution of platform switching implants using a photoelastic method. Three models were constructed of the photoelastic resin PL-2, with a single implant and a screw-retained implant-supported prosthesis. These models were Model A, platform 5.0 mm/abutment 4.1 mm; Model B, platform 4.1 mm/abutment 4.1 mm; and Model C, platform 5.00 mm/abutment 5.00 mm. Axial and oblique (45 degrees) loads of 100 N were applied using a Universal Testing Machine (EMIC DL 3000). Images were photographed with a digital camera and visualized with software (AdobePhotoshop) to facilitate the qualitative analysis. The highest stress concentrations were observed at the apical third of the 3 models. With the oblique load, the highest stress concentrations were located at the implant apex, opposite the load application. Stress concentrations decreased in the cervical region of Model A (platform switching), and Models A (platform switching) and C (conventional/wide-diameter) displayed similar stress magnitudes. Finally, Model B (conventional/regular diameter) displayed the highest stress concentrations of the models tested.

Effect of methyl methacrylate monomer on bond strength of denture base resin to acrylic teeth

Bond failures at the acrylic teeth and denture base resin interface are still a common clinical problem in prosthodontics. The effect of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer on the bond strength of three types of denture base resins (Acron MC, Lucitone 550 and QC-20) to two types of acrylic teeth (Biotone and Trilux) was evaluated. Twenty specimens were produced for each denture base resin/acrylic tooth combination and were randomly divided into control (acrylic teeth received no surface treatment) and experimental groups (MMA was applied to the surface of the acrylic teeth for 180 s) and were submitted to shear tests (1 mm/mm). Data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA/Student's test (alpha = 0.05). MMA increased the bond strength of Lucitone denture base resins and decreased the bond strength of QC-20. No difference was detected for the bond strength of Acron MC base resin after treatment with MMA. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Denture Base Resins to Acrylic Resin Teeth: Effect of Thermocycling

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Platform Switching: Biomechanical Evaluation Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate, using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA), the stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue, implants, and prosthetic components of implant-supported single crowns with the use of the platform-switching concept. Materials and Methods: Three 3D finite element models were created to replicate an external-hexagonal implant system with peri-implant bone tissue in which three different implant-abutment configurations were represented. In the regular platform (RP) group, a regular 4.1-mm-diameter abutment (UCLA) was connected to regular 4.1-mm-diameter implant. The platform-switching (PS) group was simulated by the connection of a wide implant (5.0 mm diameter) to a regular 4.1-mm-diameter UCLA abutment. In the wide-platform (WP) group, a 5.0-mm-diameter UCLA abutment was connected to a 5.0-mm-diameter implant. An occlusal load of 100 N was applied either axially or obliquely on the models using ANSYS software. Results: Both the increase in implant diameter and the use of platform switching played roles in stress reduction. The PS group presented lower stress values than the RP and WP groups for bone and implant. In the peri-implant area, cortical bone exhibited a higher stress concentration than the trabecular bone in all models and both loading situations. Under oblique loading, higher intensity and greater distribution of stress were observed than under axial loading. Platform switching reduced von Mises (17.5% and 9.3% for axial and oblique loads, respectively), minimum (compressive) (19.4% for axial load and 21.9% for oblique load), and maximum (tensile) principal stress values (46.6% for axial load and 26.7% for oblique load) in the peri-implant bone tissue. Conclusion: Platform switching led to improved biomechanical stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue. Oblique loads resulted in higher stress concentrations than axial loads for all models. Wide-diameter implants had a large influence in reducing stress values in the implant system. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2011;26:482-491

Influence of Crown Ferrule Heights and Dowel Material Selection on the Mechanical Behavior of Root-Filled Teeth: A Finite Element Analysis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Short Implant to Support Maxillary Restorations: Bone Stress Analysis Using Regular and Switching Platform

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)